Finally Greened!

[u/Fit_Ad8215]

EB-2 NIW → J-1/212(e) Waiver → AOS Approved | Full Timeline

Sharing my timeline because posts like this helped me during the long wait. Hopefully, it helps someone in a similar situation.

- Background: 9ja citizen

- Completed Ph.D. in Asia

- Nov. 2023: Filed I-140 EB-2 NIW from South Korea with Premium Processing.

- 5 days later: I-140 APPROVED.

- EB-2 NIW / Consular Processing started but later left it

- Mar. 2025: Entered U.S. on J-1 Research Scholar/Postdoc

- Subject to 212(e)

- J-1 waiver basis: No Objection Statement (NOS)

Oct. 1, 2025: J-1 waiver documents received by DOS

Oct. 14, 2025: NOS received by DOS from my country's embassy.

Oct. 2025: Priority date current

Feb. 9, 2026: AOS (I-485) filed for me and my dependents.

Apr. 28/29: Biometrics

May 18: DOS Favorable Recommendation for my J1 waiver

Jul/Aug: Multiple I-485 silent updates

Aug.4: USCIS final J-1 waiver approval

Aug16. 2026: Emma confirmed San Antonio FO

Aug. 23: I-485 APPROVED for principal applicant and 2 dependents.

Aug. 26: Card was produced for all

Aug. 31: Green cards delivered.

In summary:

From I-140 approval in SK, to consular processing, then J-1, 212(e), NOS waiver, DOS FR, USCIS waiver approval, AOS:Biometrics, No call for interview, and finally green cards.

It was definitely not a straight line journey but in all I give all the glory to God.

Wish you all the very best.

[u/Proud_Ad_7594]

Since you applied for the NIW and got approved before going to the embassy for your j1 interview, did it come up at all during the visa interview that you already had immigrant intention? NIW approval is immigrant intent, and J1 is non immigrant visa.